Two companies want drivers of mobility scooters to carry insurance

Two insurance companies want drivers of mobility scooters to carry the same insurance as car and truck owners.

Two insurance companies want drivers of mobility scooters to carry the same insurance as car and truck owners.

It all centers around a Michigan case involving a paralyzed man who was hit on his scooter while cross the street. Lawyers for State Farm Mutual Auto Insurance and Farm Bureau Insurance say because the man didn't have auto insurance on the scooter, they shouldn't have to pay any damages.

The case could impact many of the estimated 300,000 elderly and disabled people nationally who depend on motorized scooters and powered wheelchairs to get around.

State Farm declined to comment on the case.

Farm Bureau says it has an ethical obligation to provide a "vigorous defense to all claims" using "all legal defenses available."